Thewitchetty grub (also spelledwitchety grub orwitjuti grub[1]) is a term used inAustralia for the large, white, wood-eatinglarvae of severalmoths. In particular, it applies to the larvae of thecossid mothEndoxyla leucomochla, which feeds on the roots of thewitchetty bush (after which the grubs are named) that is widespread throughout theNorthern Territory and also typically found in parts ofWestern Australia andSouth Australia,[2] although it is also found elsewhere throughout Australia.
The term can also apply to larvae of other cossid moths, ghost moths (Hepialidae), and longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The term is used mainly when the larvae are being considered as food. The grub is the most importantinsect food of the desert and has historically been a staple in the diets ofAboriginal Australians.[3]
TheArabana term for the grub ismako witjuti (with emphasis on initial syllables);mako means grub, andwitjuti refers to the shrub, not the grub itself.[4] Similarly,Ngalea peoples called the insect "mako wardaruka", meaning grubs of the wardaruka (Acacia ligulata) shrub.[5] ThePitjantjatjara name is "maku".[6] It has been suggested that the word "witchetty" comes from theAdynyamathanha wordwityu, meaning "hooked stick", andvartu, meaning "grub".[3]
The different larvae are said to taste similar. Edible either raw or lightly cooked in hot ashes, they are sought as a high-protein food by Aboriginal Australians. The raw witchetty grub tastes similar to almonds;[7] however, when cooked, the skin becomes crisp like roast chicken, while the inside becomes light yellow, like a fried egg, and the taste has been anecdotally described variously as like scrambled egg, chicken, or a "prawn with peanut sauce".[3][8][9][10]
These grubs live in trees. They can also be found inblack wattle trees, and are considered to be the reason why wattles die within 10 to 15 years. The roots of theAcacia kempeana shrub are another source of the grubs.[11]
When held, as a defence mechanism, the grubs will secrete a brown liquid.[3]
Witchetty grubs feature asDreamings in manyAboriginal paintings.[3]
Witchetty grubs have also been imitated in confectionary and were a common Australian lolly.[12]
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